(KMOX) — The Deep South is seeing an unusually early and intense flu season — but not much activity going on yet in the St. Louis area.
Louisiana is leading the nation in the number of reported influenza cases so far. The number of out-patient influenza-like illness cases in Louisiana is nearly double the national average right now — 4.6% in Louisiana compared to 2.4% nationally.
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Both Missouri and Illinois currently report minimal flu activity with 139 confirmed cases in Missouri — 19 in St. Louis County and two in St. Charles County.
And while we are watching out for the flu right now, that's just one of the illnesses hitting the area — another is adenovirus.
"Adenovirus is a pretty common virus that occurs in all seasons of the year," said Dr. Trinh To, a pediatrician with SSM Health Medical Group.
"Some of the symptoms include red eyes and sore throat," Dr. To told KMOX.
Other symptoms include bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea and pink eye. You can get an adenovirus at any age.
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"Right now in our office, we haven't seen too much of it yet, but it's a virus that is very common so I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing some cases soon," said Dr. To.
So what's the treatment for adenovirus?
"A lot of the treatment is supportive care," said Dr. To. "The biggest thing that we can do is help minimize the spread of the virus. We need to make sure we practice good hand hygiene whenever we are exposed to it. That's the biggest way to limit the spread but otherwise, it's just making sure that we are all well hydrated. And making sure that our kids are able to keep up with fluids and rest. Viruses, in general, will improve on their own — so no need for antibiotics or medication."
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